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Gustave Caillois

Finished fourth in the 1905 Gordon Bennett Cup

Nationality: French Born: 1875Died: Unknown

Born in France in 1875, Caillois was a racing bicyclist at the age of 18. Reflecting his parents' objection to his competing, he raced under the name Siolliac, his name spelled backwards. He soon became interested in automobiles and worked in 1900 to 1901 as an engineer and designer for Peugeot.

As in 1905, an American Elimination Trial determined the five racers to represent the United States in the Vanderbilt Cup Race. Of 16 entries, 12 cars survived the practice runs to race on Saturday, September 22, 1906.

Last Sunday at the Smithtown Automobile Flea Market, Arthur Gould challenged me to identify this photo of a driver and his mechanician. His hint: the driver was French and drove a Thomas in a Vanderbilt Cup Race event. Arthur, here's your answer:

As in 1905, an American Elimination Trial determined the five racers to represent the United States in the Vanderbilt Cup Race. Of 16 entries, 12 cars survived the practice runs to race on Saturday, September 22, 1906. Here are images and profiles of all 16 cars. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge):

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The six Vanderbilt Cup Races held on Long Island from 1904 to 1910 were the greatest sporting events of their day, and the first international automobile road races held in the United States. The races had a far-reaching impact on the development of American automobiles and parkways. This site provides comprehensive information on the races, the Long Island Motor Parkway and current Long Island automotive events, car shows and news.